Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 172
- 93
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has introduced a new bill that would significantly increase penalties for same-sex relations, raising the maximum prison sentence to 10 years.
The proposed legislation was sent to parliament this week after cabinet approval, following a wave of recent arrests linked to alleged same-sex relationships, which are already illegal in Senegal. Addressing lawmakers, Sonko said the bill would punish what it describes as “acts against nature” with jail terms ranging from five to 10 years, up from the current one to five years. He added that cases involving minors would attract the maximum penalty.
The bill also proposes prison sentences of three to seven years for anyone found promoting or advocating same-sex relations. In addition, it introduces penalties for people who accuse others of homosexuality “without proof.” Those convicted could face fines of up to 10 million CFA francs (about US$18,000). Sonko said the offence would remain classified as a misdemeanour under the revised law.
Debate around LGBT rights has long been divisive in Senegal, a socially conservative and Muslim-majority country. Some religious and civic groups argue that LGBT activism represents foreign influence, and demonstrations calling for harsher punishments have been held in recent years. Earlier this month, police reportedly detained at least 12 men — including public figures and a journalist — under existing laws, with local media saying around 30 arrests have been made so far.
The proposed law has drawn criticism from rights organisations. Human Rights Watch said the recent crackdown violates internationally protected rights, including equality and non-discrimination. A date has not yet been set for the parliamentary vote, though the chamber is controlled by Sonko’s Pastef party.
Senegal is not alone in moving toward stricter laws. In recent years, several African countries have introduced or strengthened sanctions against the LGBT community. Burkina Faso approved a ban on homosexual acts last year, following similar action by Mali. In 2023, Uganda passed some of the world’s harshest anti-homosexual laws, with certain same-sex acts punishable by death.
Source: BBC Africa
The proposed legislation was sent to parliament this week after cabinet approval, following a wave of recent arrests linked to alleged same-sex relationships, which are already illegal in Senegal. Addressing lawmakers, Sonko said the bill would punish what it describes as “acts against nature” with jail terms ranging from five to 10 years, up from the current one to five years. He added that cases involving minors would attract the maximum penalty.
The bill also proposes prison sentences of three to seven years for anyone found promoting or advocating same-sex relations. In addition, it introduces penalties for people who accuse others of homosexuality “without proof.” Those convicted could face fines of up to 10 million CFA francs (about US$18,000). Sonko said the offence would remain classified as a misdemeanour under the revised law.
Debate around LGBT rights has long been divisive in Senegal, a socially conservative and Muslim-majority country. Some religious and civic groups argue that LGBT activism represents foreign influence, and demonstrations calling for harsher punishments have been held in recent years. Earlier this month, police reportedly detained at least 12 men — including public figures and a journalist — under existing laws, with local media saying around 30 arrests have been made so far.
The proposed law has drawn criticism from rights organisations. Human Rights Watch said the recent crackdown violates internationally protected rights, including equality and non-discrimination. A date has not yet been set for the parliamentary vote, though the chamber is controlled by Sonko’s Pastef party.
Senegal is not alone in moving toward stricter laws. In recent years, several African countries have introduced or strengthened sanctions against the LGBT community. Burkina Faso approved a ban on homosexual acts last year, following similar action by Mali. In 2023, Uganda passed some of the world’s harshest anti-homosexual laws, with certain same-sex acts punishable by death.
Source: BBC Africa
